System and method for functional state and/or performance assessment and training program adjustment

ABSTRACT

A system and method for training program generation and modification based on user input goal data and assessed functional state and/or workload performance. A user-interface preferably operating on a mobile device permits a user to record bio-signals indicative of functional state. Assessments are performed on the received bio-signal data to produce training session targets based on the current functional state of the user. Workload performance may be monitored and the training session targets modified based on measured past performance to improve future performance. Various embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/912,178, entitled Apparatus and Method for Functional State and/orPerformance Assessment and Training Program Adjustment, filed on Jun. 6,2013, and having an inventor named above. Application Ser. No.13/912,178 is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/912,176,entitled Apparatus And Method For Assessing Functional State Of BodySystems Including Electromyography by Masakov, and filed on Jun. 6,2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference as though disclosedherein. The present application is also related to U.S. Pat. No.6,572,558 issued to Masakov, et al., for an Apparatus and Method forNon-Invasive Measurement of Current Functional State and AdaptiveResponse in Humans which is hereby incorporated by reference as thoughdisclosed herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to physical exercise training programsand, more specifically, to assessment of the current functional state ofa person and/or the workload performed by the user and adjustment of atraining program for that user based on assessment results.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various physical exercise training program models and devices are knownin the art. They may be divided into five groups:

1. Solutions that present a training program or schedule based onhistorically collected empirical data. These programs may be generic orspecific and may cover a time period of a week to a year. For example,marathon training typically includes a 6-month training program withmiles increasing each week and tapering towards the end.

2. Solutions that assess the magnitude of the training load such asspeed, distance, elapsed time, amount of weight lifted, etc.

3. Solutions that monitor changes in heart rate and warn the user via anaudio signal when his or her pulse moves above or below a predeterminedheart rate zone.

4. Solutions that assess the functional state of a person and provideinformation of the individual's current physiological state and may alsoprovide an indication of heart rate zones for various levels of trainingloads.

5. Solutions that are a combination of Solutions 3 and 4.

While beneficial in advancing the field, the prior art isdisadvantageous in that it is not responsive to the individual needs orcurrent physiological state of the specific person undergoing training.Generic programs may be inappropriate or not sufficiently accurate for agiven individual. Furthermore, daily changes in the functional state ofa person may make the dictates of a generic program inapplicable on agiven day/period. If an athlete continues with the proscribed trainingregime when his/her functional state does not support it, then theathlete risks injury and/or a substantial setback in their training.

In addition, if an attempt is made to more closely analyze the trainingprogram and/or physiological assess the person using currently availabletechnology, several disadvantages arise. These include, but are notlimited to, a significant amount of time is/may be required, multipleassessments are needed, and exercise is interrupted during assessment,among other disadvantages.

Thus, a need exists to expediently and/or contemporaneously capture thedata indicative of the functional state of a subject under test (SUT),to assess this data to determine current functional state, and to adjusta training program in response thereto to improve the training processand therefore deliver better physical performance to the user. A needfurther exists to achieve the above in a manner that is convenient,lightweight, easy-to-use and effective.

Prior art systems are further disadvantageous in that they do not assessthe work performed nor adjust the training program as needed based onthe workload assessment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anassessment and training program adjustment system that addresses theshortcomings of the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a systemthat assess the functional state of a user and modifies a prospectivetraining program based on the functional state assessment.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a systemthat measures the workload performed by the user and modifies aprospective training program for improved performance.

These and related objects of the present invention are achieved by useof a system and method for functional state and/or performanceassessment and training program adjustment as described herein.

The attainment of the foregoing and related advantages and features ofthe invention should be more readily apparent to those skilled in theart, after review of the following more detailed description of theinvention taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a physical state assessment andtraining program adjustment system in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of initialtraining program generation in the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating daily (or other period) use of thesystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a spectrum of potential Day Targets.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of computer workload measurement calculationand its influence on Day Target generation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram of one embodiment of a physical stateassessment and training program adjustment system 5 in accordance withthe present invention is shown. System 5 preferably operates in concertwith the mobile device platform or environment, to afford theconvenience and mobility of that platform. In addition, mobile devicecommunication permits real-time assessment of the workload performed bythe user. The user-interface that operates on the mobile device to carryout the present invention may evolve as mobile communication evolveswithout departing from the present invention.

System 5 may include a sensor and transmitter unit (SATU) 10, auser-interface 21 that executes on mobile device (MD) 20 and processingunit (PU) 50 that may execute on a cloud-based computer (or otherprocessor) 51. Further, the user-interface may be invoked as anapplication executing on the mobile device, termed, for example,Adaptive Training application. Depending on the magnitude of theprocessing load and the power of the mobile device, processing may takeplace on the cloud and/or the mobile. It is anticipated that initiallymore robust processing will occur on the cloud computer, yet as mobiledevice technology improves, some or all of the assessment/adjustmentprocessing may move to the mobile device, particularly for less robustassessments/adjustments.

For pedagogical purposes, the system of FIG. 1 will be described withthe assessment and training program adjustment operating primarily onthe cloud computer(s) 51, though it is to be understood that thisprocessing may move to the mobile device to the extent the mobile devicecan support it, or another computing device.

As illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1, components of PU 50 mayinclude:

-   -   (1) a database or library or the like 60 for generating or        providing training programs to a user;    -   (2) sorting and processing procedures 70 to assess functional        state and performed workload, and to make adjustments to        prospective training programs (TPs); and    -   (3) various look up tables or the like 80 used in carrying out        the functions of assessment and training program adjustment.        These are discussed in more detail below.

The SATU 10 may take many forms without departing from the presentinvention. In one embodiment, the unit includes a plurality of sensorelectrodes 12 that are capable of measuring bio-signals such as cardiac,brain wave and/or electrical muscle signals. Such sensors are known inthe art. These sensors are connected to a transmitter or transceiver 15that is capable of transmitting the sensed signals to the MD 20. TheSATU to MD connection it is preferably wireless, though it may be wired.A suitable wireless SATU is taught by in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/912,176, referenced above, with sensors 41-46and transmitter pod 50. Note, alternatively, that the SATU may be wiredand the wiring may connect directly to a port on the mobile device, withappropriate channel amplifiers, filters, converters built into the wiredconnection and/or the MD. In this latter instance, the pod 50 of theco-pending application may not be needed. Furthermore, wireless sensors(ie, sensors with built in transmitters) may be used and may communicatedirectly to MD 20.

MD 20 is any suitable MD, and may take the form of a mobile phone,tablet computer, Blackberry®, or other mobile electronic communicationsdevice that may be carried with or otherwise borne by a user. MD 20and/or SATU 10 may include GPS (standard on most cell phones),accelerometers, gyroscope, altimeter and/or other sensing or positioningtechnology, e.g., thermometer, wind-direction/speed detector, humiditymeter, etc., for real time data collection. These positioning,environmental and other parameter measuring sensors may be representedgenerally with reference numeral 14.

The SATU 10 may also include an adjustable belt 13 that can be wornaround a user's chest or elsewhere, and the transceiver/transmitter 15that can be attached to the belt (or otherwise supported by the user).The GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter, thermometer and/or othersensing/positioning technology 14 may be provided in or with (i.e.,connected to) the transmitter 15 (if not otherwise provided on the useror in the mobile device, etc.). Placement of these sensors on the user(for example, with transmitter 15) gives an accurate measure of a user'smovement for workload calculation.

The adaptive system of the present invention functions, in oneembodiment, by establishing a base training program, assessing thecurrent functional state of a user, assessing the workload performed bya user, and appropriately modifying the training program based on theassessed functional state and/or the workload measurements to provide amore optimum and effective overall training experience.

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating one embodiment ofinitial training program generation is shown. A user, via user interface20, is prompted for his or her training parameters (211).

Questions may include:

-   -   Are you training for an Event or Maintenance? If training for an        Event, they may continue:    -   What is the Distance?    -   When is Event?    -   What is your desired Pace?        If the user indicates Maintenance rather than a Event, a similar        list of questions is generated to determine the desired training        program parameters. These questions might include historic run        training, current physical state self-assessment, maintenance        performance goals, etc.

For purposes of illustration, the assumed answers to the above questions(asked via step 211) are: Event, Marathon, 6 months, and 3H20 pace,respectively. In step 213, other information such as age, gender,height/weight, injury information, physical state self-assessment (e.g.,self-stated fitness level), medical conditions, etc., may be elicitedfrom a user. From this information, a base training program may beprovided from training program library 60 (as discussed herein).

In one embodiment of the present invention, when the user is ready tobegin their first training session, an initial functional stateassessment (FSA) is conducted to determine the current physical state ofthe user. This information is used to create the initial trainingsession target (as discussed below). The FSA may be conducted at restand does not require the user to perform an initial load, e.g., run fivemiles. The present invention is unique in being able to assessfunctional state (readiness for exercise) without an initial loadperformance, and using the assessment result to more accurately craft aninitial TP.

Various body system tests may be investigated during an FSA includingcardiac, metabolic, central nervous system (CNS), hormonal, andelectromyography (EMG), among others. These body system tests provide apicture of the current functional state of the user (and readiness forwork). For example, the metabolic assessment (preferably derived from adifferentiated ECG type signal) may give an indication of anaerobicthreshold, important for use in generating an initial target heart rate(discussed in part below under Anaerobic Threshold). Heart RateVariability (among other body system assessments) may be used todetermine sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system states, whichare important in generating distance and intensity targets, etc.

The FSA of step 215 may include a differentiated ECG assessment toidentify and/or closely approximate the Anaerobic Threshold (AT) of auser, and the target heart rate, BPM, that corresponds with that AT.

PU 50 may default to a conventional training program for the initialdistance to be run (in generating a prospective TP). PU 50 may furthermodify the prospective TP based on FSA data to arrive at an initial TP“session target” that is customized to the user (step 219). This willpreferably be expressed in distance and heart rate targets. Step 221represents propagation of the TP and session target to a user.

The TP and session targets may be viewed on MD 20 by Day, Week, Month,ALL or other (step 223), though what is particularly relevant is thetarget for the current day as future targets will likely change based onfuture FSA results and workload measurements (WLMs). Display oftentative future training targets may be helpful to a user in thegeneral scheduling of their day-to-day affairs. Interface logic 20 maybe configured with the MD software so that the training program isintegrated into the calendar and alarm functions of the user's mobiledevice, so that a user may schedule their workout time in advance and bealerted by their MD. Food intake needs that support the proscribedphysical activity may also be sent to MD 20 for display and integrationinto the MD's scheduling system, to assist a user in timely andappropriate food selections.

Use in Training

Referring to FIG. 3, a flow diagram illustrating daily (or other period)use of training system 5 is shown. This example could be for day 21, 57,132 or any other given day, though if for day 1, there would be noworkload history.

The user preferably logs in, step 311. Processing unit 50 loads theuser's settings including the prospective Session Target (ST) for thatday, step 313. The user is prompted for conducting a pre-load FSA, step315. This prompting may include prompts for correct sensor placement andthen sequentially stepping the user through the appropriate FSA teststeps. In step 317, the results data is sent to PU 50. In step 319, PU50 retrieves or uploads the most recent WLMs (performance history of theuser). The FSA results and the WLMs of steps 317 and 319, respectively,are used to modify the prospective Session Target. The criteria for andmanner of making ST adjustments are discussed in more detail below withreference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

In step 325, the prospective TP is modified, if necessary, based on theFSA results. In step 327, the FSA-adjusted prospective TP is modified,if necessary, based on WLMs.

In step 331, the target training program for the current session ispresented to the user. In step 333, the “work” begins. This Start may beinitiated by a user pushing Start on the user-interface or the sensorssensing movement of the user and initiating tracking, etc.

The workload parameters are preferably tracked in real-time, step 337.During the proscribed run, the user may be alerted if they vary from aproscribed BPM, pace, smoothness or other parameter. At completion ofthe work, the user may press an END button, or the sensors may END basedon detected stopping (for longer than a traffic light, etc.), step 339.The user may be prompted for confirmation. Workload measurementcalculations are preferably performed, step 343, and the WLMs uploadedto PU 50, step 345, so they are available during step 319 above as thepreceding day's WLM.

Anaerobic Threshold

The metabolic assessment of the FSA is used to determine AT which inturn is used to generate an initial target heart rate (to maximizeaerobic performance). Metabolic assessment is taught in U.S. Pat. No.6,572,558 referenced above and Publications of Kiev Sports MedicineUniversity by Beregovog, V.Y., or Dushanin, S.A. (1986).

Anaerobic exercise is exercise intense enough to trigger lactic acidfermentation. It is used by athletes in non-endurance sports to promotestrength, speed and power and by body builders to build muscle mass.Muscle energy systems trained using anaerobic exercise developdifferently compared to aerobic exercise, leading to greater performancein short duration, high intensity activities, which last from mereseconds to up to about 2 minutes. Any activity lasting longer than abouttwo minutes has a large aerobic metabolic component.

The anaerobic threshold, also known as the lactate threshold, is theexercise intensity at which lactate (more specifically, lactic acid)starts to accumulate in the blood stream. This happens when lactate isproduced faster than it can be metabolized in the muscle. Whenexercising at or below the AT, any lactate produced by the muscles isremoved by the body without it building up. With a higher exerciseintensity the lactate level in the blood reaches the AT, or the onset ofblood lactate accumulation. The AT is a useful measure for decidingexercise intensity for training and racing, particularly in endurancesports (e.g. long distance running, cycling, rowing, swimming and crosscountry skiing), but varies between individuals and can be increasedwith training.

Influence of FSA and WLM

Referring to FIG. 4, a spectrum 411 of potential session targets for agiven training session is represented. Often there will be one trainingsession per day, yet depending on the training program there may bemultiple sessions in a day. Thus, the training targets may be referredto as session targets or STs. While only one ST is likely shown to auser, PU 50 may be configured to create session targets along a spectrumof different intensity and volume specifications. In the example of FIG.4, ST 423 is a “prospective” or pre-FSA ST. The actual ST presented tothe user, however, may shift to the left or to the right along thespectrum. Note that intensity and volume parameters may differ based onthe type of athletic event. For distance running, the intensityparameter is preferably heart rate or BPM and the volume parameter ispreferably distance. In other athletic pursuits, intensity might includenumber of repetitions or repetitions in a certain time period, andvolume might include weight lifted or height climbed, etc.

In step 325 of FIG. 3, PU 50 investigates the results of the FSA of step315. If all the relevant body systems are in sufficiently goodcondition, then target 423 is presented to the user. If, however, theresults of the FSA suggest that one or more body systems are not optimalthen another ST is presented. The “other” ST may have a reduced workloadrequirement and the type and magnitude of the reduction will depend onthe FSA results.

In target 422, the “intensity” or BPM is maintained, yet the miles arereduced. In target 421, the miles are reduced even further, whileintensity is unchanged. In target 424, conversely, the distance ismaintained, but the intensity is reduced (slower run) and in ST 425, theintensity is reduced even further. ST 426 indicates a reduction in bothdistance and intensity, i.e., the user has a rather reduced state ofreadiness. ST 427 indicates rest or restorative therapies, i.e., theuser is rather depleted. The intensity and distance proscriptions areinfluenced by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, andother body systems.

Sympathetic/Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (SNS, PSNS) are thetwo main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS isresponsible for regulation of internal organs and glands, which occursunconsciously. To be specific, the sympathetic nervous system isresponsible for stimulation of activities associated with thefight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic system is responsible forstimulation of “rest-and-digest” activities that occur when the body isat rest, especially after eating, including sexual arousal, salivation,lacrimation (tears), urination, and digestion. Sympathetic andparasympathetic divisions typically function in opposition to eachother, though in a complementary rather than antagonistic manner. Thesympathetic division typically functions in actions requiring quickresponses. The parasympathetic division functions with actions that donot require immediate response.

It is known in the art that heart rate variability evaluation may beused to assess the state of the SNS and PSNS. Good SNS levels indicate aperson's ability to run a long distance, but do not well addressintensity. Good PSNS levels indicate a person's ability to perform athigher intensity, but do not well address endurance and the ability torun long. Hence, when PSNS levels are high, but SNS levels are low, theST shifts to the left and ST 422 or 421 is selected, based on therelative magnitude of PSNS and SNS levels. If the converse is found, theselected ST shifts to the right to the appropriate one of ST 424 and 425(assuming other body system results are satisfactory).

If both SNS and PSNS are not within a sufficiently adequate range oranother body system is low in combination with a low SNS or PSNS, thenST 426 may be selected. There may be a reduction to 8 miles at 120 BPMor 6 miles at 110 BPM, or other values or combinations, depending on thegravity of the FSA values. Further, a very strong negative FSA value inone body system parameter or an accumulation of lower FSA values (acrossmultiple body systems) may indicate the need for rest—a day off—or, iflower yet, restorative activities such as massage, acupuncture, etc.

In addition to metabolic (DECG, AT, BPM) and cardiac (HRV, SNS/PSNS,Intensity/Distance), other body systems measurements may influencesession target selection/creation. These include: DC Potential,Hormonal, Detoxification, Gas Exchange/Pulmonary and EMG, among others.The first four of these may be achieved using an omega brain wave testas described in the '558 patent, and the EMG test may be achieved usingan EMG test as described in the co-pending application Ser. No.13/912,176.

In essence, each of these tests has a normal range of results and therange can vary from person to person. The results for all of these testsare characterized in having an excitation component and an inhibitioncomponent. Thus, each test result may have an excitement result of: tooexcited, norm or not excited enough and an inhibition result of: tooinhibited, norm, not inhibited enough. The adjustment to the trainingprogram will be to bring the user back towards a “norm” for each bodysystem.

For example, if the CNS test (omega wave-DC potential) returns a lowlevel, then this infers that the CNS is inhibited. High mental work orpower exercise is not recommended. If the hormonal system is below anorm, then maximum velocity is not recommended. If the HR test returns astate of over excitement, then a reduced vigor workout is proscribed, tobring the excitement level back towards the norm.

For each body system assessment and correction, the path is ratherlinear—over/under and amount. The aggregate of thecorrections/adjustments may be non-linear, however, due to the multiplebody system factors influencing the adjustments.

Referring to FIG. 5, a flow diagram of computer workload measurementcalculation and its influence on ST generation is shown.

Step 327 of FIG. 3 represents adjustment of the TP based on WLM. Forrunning, a desired goal is to increase speed and/or distance at speed.Thus, while the FSA tracks the functional state of the body at a givenmoment, it does not detect performance. The detection of performanceprovides feedback on whether the proscribed TP is actually working andproviding the desired results.

A primary measure of workload is distance and speed. Assuming the sameor approximately same training conditions (elevation, wind speed, etc.),then, week by week, for example, improvements in performance should bedetected. If the performance is not improving (speed decreasing, targetsnot being met or increasingly missed, etc.), then the body is likelybeing driven too hard. To address this, the spectrum of day targets ispreferably shifted down, which may be achieved primarily throughreducing intensity, BPM. Mileage may be dropped though preferably merelyto let the body recover and is then increased so that requisite mileageis achieved.

Furthermore, the WLM may be fine tuned by accounting for other factorssuch as elevation, windspeed, traffic light stoppage and other factors.An appropriate mathematical value can be assigned to one or more ofthese factors (and relative magnitude accounted for) and incorporatedinto the workload measurement calculation.

Thus, a first part of FIG. 5 represents determination of WLM (thatgenerated in step 343 of FIG. 3). The distance (GPS) and time (clock) ofthe run is measured and a speed calculated, step 511, 513, 515. In step517, the speed value may be adjusted for any of the conditionfactorials, etc.

The lower part of FIG. 5, step 521, illustrates comparison of the WLM(using the comparative processing 70 of PU 50), which may occur on adaily (or other) basis, yet for a period extending back one to severalweeks (or more. If the performance is improving, no change in made tothe TP, step 523. If, however, performance is not improving then theSession Targets are adjusted, preferably as discussed above (potentiallyshifted down), step 525.

It should be recognized that in addition to proscribing miles, intensityand other physical acts, the PU 50, through its database and processingability, may also provide a user with nutritional informationproscriptions to support the physical activity in the STs. Thisnutritional information may include the type of food to eat (protein,vitamin-rich, carbohydrate-rich, etc.), serving size, caloric intake,and other information, on a day-to-day (or other period) basis.

The above example is for marathon training. It should be furtherrecognized that the present invention applies to other activitiesincluding longer and shorter distance running, sprinting, swimming,cross-country skiing, and cycling activities, etc. While well-suited foraerobic activities, it may also be used for anaerobic conditioning,i.e., providing repetitions and weight/resistance, and weight-lifting,etc.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,558 to Masakov et al, is incorporated by reference.This patent teaches that an HRV test or assessment may record bio-signaldata, construct charts or “grams” that reflect the sensed data,calculate indices, and perform rules based analysis of the indicesvalues to generate conclusions of the functional state of cardiacactivity. Various indices for cardio system performance are calculatedand they may include: vagus (parasympathetic) regulation (VR), humoralregulation (HR), sympathetic regulation (SR), stress index, share ofaperiodic influences, standard deviation, and frequency of cardiaccontractions.

With respect to DECG assessment, various DECG tests may be utilizedwithout departing from the present invention. Bio-signal data ispreferably recorded from the sensor electrodes for a predefined timeperiod. Indices are then generated from the sensed data and the indicesmay include anaerobic power index (API) which is the magnitude ofmaximum oxygen consumption, VO2max, the alactic capacity index (ALCI),the lactic capacity index (LCI), the anaerobic capacity index (ACI), theaerobic efficiency index (AEI) and the system adaption index (SAI).

While the invention has been described in connection with specificembodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of furthermodification, and this application is intended to cover any variations,uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, theprinciples of the invention and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the artto which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essentialfeatures hereinbefore set forth, and as fall within the scope of theinvention and the limits of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for a portable electronic deviceto interact with at least one user borne sensor electrode to combinesensed data with user input goal data to generate a training sessiontarget, comprising the steps of: detecting, by the portable electronicdevice, input specifying user goal data, the goal data including a typeof activity for the user, and storing the goal data in memory;detecting, by the portable electronic device, bio-signal data sensedfrom at least one sensor electrode that is positioned at an appropriatelocation on the user, for a heart rate variability (HRV) assessment of acurrent functional state of the user, and storing the detected HRVbio-signal data in memory; processing, by the portable electronic deviceor another device in communication with the portable electronic device,an HRV assessment of the detected HRV bio-signal data to generate afirst index parameter indicative of the state of a first body system ofthe user that corresponds to the HRV assessment, and storing the firstindex parameter in memory; generating, by the portable electronic deviceor another device in communication with the portable electronic device,a session target for a given user training session that is based onretrieved user goal data and the first index parameter, the sessiontarget including a first session target value and a second sessiontarget value; and generating, by the portable electronic device, anddisplaying on a screen thereof, a visual indication of the first and thesecond session target values; wherein the first body system is theautonomic nervous system and the first and second session target valuesare based, at least in part, on the relative levels of the sympatheticnervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system of that user;wherein the first session target value is an intensity target and thesecond session target value is a volume target; and wherein the sessiontarget generating step further includes decreasing the volume targetmore than the intensity target when the parasympathetic level is highrelative to the sympathetic level and decreasing the intensity targetmore than the volume target when the sympathetic level is high relativeto the parasympathetic level.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of: detecting, by the portable electronic device,sensed bio-signal data for an electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment of thecurrent functional state of that user, and storing the detected ECGbio-signal data in memory; processing, by the portable electronic deviceor another device in communication with the portable electronic device,an ECG assessment of the ECG bio-signal data to generate a second indexparameter indicative of the state of a second body system thatcorresponds to the ECG assessment, and storing the second indexparameter in memory; adjusting, by the portable electronic device oranother device in communication with the portable electronic device, thesession target based on the second index parameter such that the firstand second session target values are derived from the HRV and the ECGassessments and the user goal data.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of conducting the HRV assessment while the user isat rest.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step ofgenerating a training program based, at least in part, on user goaldata, the training program including a plurality of session targets tobe performed sequentially over time.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of: detecting, by the portable electronic device,sensed bio-signal data for a brain wave assessment of the currentfunctional state of that user, and storing the brain wave bio-signaldata in memory; processing, by the portable electronic device or anotherdevice in communication with the portable electronic device, a brainwave assessment of the brain wave bio-signal data to generate a thirdparameter indicative of the state of a third body system thatcorresponds to the brain wave assessment, and storing the thirdparameter in memory; adjusting, by the portable electronic device oranother device in communication with the portable electronic device, thesession target based on the third index parameter such that the firstand second session target values are derived from the HRV and the brainwave assessments and the user goal data.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the session target generating step further comprises the step ofgenerating a training program with a prospective session target andmodifying the prospective session target based on the HRV assessment togenerate the session target.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of: establishing a training program for a givenuser, the training program including at least one session target thatincludes the first session value and the second session value.
 8. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the first session target value includes anintensity target that is based on an anaerobic threshold as determinedin the ECG assessment.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising thesteps of: detecting, by the portable electronic device, sensedbio-signal data for electromyography (EMG) assessment of the currentfunctional state of that user, and storing the detected EMG bio-signaldata in memory; processing, by the portable electronic device or anotherdevice in communication with the portable electronic device, an EMGassessment of the EMG bio-signal data to generate a third parameterindicative of the state of a third body system that corresponds to theEMG assessment, and storing the third parameter in memory; adjusting, bythe portable electronic device or another device in communication withthe portable electronic device, the session target based on the thirdparameter such that the first and second session target values arederived, at least in part, from the HRV and the EMG assessments and theuser goal data.
 10. A method for a portable electronic device tointeract with at least one user borne sensor electrode to combine senseddata with user input goal data to generate a training session target,comprising the steps of: detecting, by the portable electronic device,input specifying user goal data, the goal data including a type ofactivity for the user, and storing the goal data in memory; generating,by the portable electronic device or another device in communicationwith the portable electronic device, a prospective training program forthe user based on the input goal data, the training program including aplurality of prospective session targets to be performed sequentiallyover time; detecting, by the portable electronic device, bio-signal datasensed by at least one sensor electrode that is positioned at anappropriate location on the user, for a heart rate variability (HRV)assessment of a current functional state of the user, and storing thedetected HRV bio-signal data in memory; processing, by the portableelectronic device or another device in communication with the portableelectronic device, an HRV assessment of the detected HRV bio-signal datato generate a first index parameter indicative of the state of a firstbody system that corresponds to the HRV assessment, and storing thefirst index parameter in memory; modifying, by the portable electronicdevice or another device in communication with the portable electronicdevice, the prospective training program to generate a session targetfor a given user training session that is based on the first indexparameter, the session target including a first session target value anda second session target value; and generating, by the portableelectronic device, and displaying on a screen thereof, a visualindication of the first and the second session target values; whereinthe first body system is an autonomic nervous system and the first andsecond session target values are based, at least in part, on therelative levels of the sympathetic nervous system and theparasympathetic nervous system of the user; wherein the first sessiontarget value is an intensity target and the second session target valueis a volume target; and wherein the session target generating stepfurther includes decreasing the volume target more than the intensitytarget when the parasympathetic level is high relative to thesympathetic level and decreasing the intensity target more than thevolume target when the sympathetic level is high relative to theparasympathetic level.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingthe step of detecting the bio-signal data from the user while the useris at rest.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:detecting, by the portable electronic device and for a defined period oftime, sensed bio-signal data for electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment ofthe current functional state of that user, and storing the detected ECGbio-signal data in memory; processing, by the portable electronic deviceor another device in communication with the portable electronic device,an ECG assessment of the ECG bio-signal data to generate a second indexparameter indicative of the state of a second body system thatcorresponds to the ECG assessment, and storing the second indexparameter in memory; and modifying, by the portable electronic device oranother device in communication with the portable electronic device, theprospective training program based on the second index parameter suchthat the session target is generated from the HRV and the ECGassessments and the user goal data; wherein the session target isderived in part from an anaerobic threshold of the user as determined bythe ECG assessment.